Guide

Sworn translation: the signature and seal that count

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

In Spain a translation carries official weight only when a Traductor-Intérprete Jurado produced it. Per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, those translations have official character and can be submitted to judicial and administrative bodies; the translator certifies their fidelity and exactness with signature and seal, using the formula the Ministry dictates. The Ministry grants the title, mainly through a periodic examination.

What makes a translation official

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation is the body competent to grant the titles of Traductor Jurado and Intérprete Jurado, under article 9.2 of Real Decreto 724/2020 approving the Office of Interpretation of Languages regulation. Its page states that translations by holders of the title tendrán carácter oficial — they have official character and may be produced before judicial and administrative bodies — and that these professionals certificarán con su firma y sello la fidelidad y exactitud of their work. The same official status for translations from a foreign language into Spanish is set by Ley 2/2014, sixteenth additional provision.

Source: MAEC — Traductores/as-Intérpretes Jurados/as, read 13 September 2026.

Finding a translator who actually holds the title

Because the Ministry grants the title, the Ministry is also where the list of holders lives — the register published on the same official pages. A translation agency without a title-holder behind it cannot produce the seal, however good the language work. Per the Ministry, the principal route to the title is the examination it convenes periodically, so the pool is finite: book early in visa season rather than assuming same-week availability.

Source: MAEC — official register and title, read 13 September 2026.

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The order that saves a second bill

Sequence matters, because an apostille added after translation may itself need translating. The common order is to legalise the original first — see how apostilles work — and only then commission the sworn translation of the legalised document. Ask the receiving office which it wants: consulates and Spanish administrative bodies do not always agree, and the Ministry page governs the translator’s status rather than any one office’s filing preference. Pair it with your police certificate and NIE paperwork in one run.

Source: MAEC — Traductores/as-Intérpretes Jurados/as, read 13 September 2026.

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Common questions

What is a sworn translation?

A translation by a Ministry-appointed Traductor-Intérprete Jurado, certified with their signature and seal. Per the Ministry, it has official character before judicial and administrative bodies.

Can any professional translator do it?

No. Only holders of the Ministry-granted title can attach the seal that gives a translation official character in Spain — the title comes mainly through the Ministry’s periodic examination.

Apostille first, or translate first?

Usually legalise the original first, then translate the legalised document, so the apostille itself is covered. Confirm with the office receiving the file, since practice differs.

Is a sworn translation valid outside Spain?

The Spanish title governs official status in Spain. Other countries appoint their own sworn or certified translators, so a file crossing borders may need a translation done under each country’s rules.

Keep reading

What is an apostille?Police clearance certificates The NIE number in Spain